Heroin addict allegedly threatened to throw acid over shop assistant

Anthony Corley allegedly carried out seven robberies across Belfast

A heroin addict allegedly threatened to throw acid over a shop assistant during a series of robberies across Belfast, a court heard today.

Anthony Corley is accused of having a corrosive liquid at one of seven convenience stores targeted over a three-month period.

Police claimed the 38-year-old Dubliner, of no fixed address, brandished scissors and a knife on other occasions.

Corley appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court charged with five cash robberies and two attempted robberies.

He also faces seven counts of possessing an offensive weapon with intent to commit and indictable offence.

The charges relate to incidents at retail outlets in the city between January 5 and March 20 this year.

Curley is accused of taking £350 from a Mace on High Street, as well as carrying out further robberies at convenience stores on the Dublin Road and other locations.

An investigating detective claimed one incident involved CCTV footage of the suspect being tracked to a bar where he changes clothes and gets into a taxi.

When Corley was arrested at his hostel accommodation police recovered a large pair of scissors, scarves and gloves allegedly used in some of the robberies, the court heard.

Referring to one of the charges, the detective said: "An unknown male entered the shop, pulled a plastic bottle containing a clear liquid out of his jacket and demanded (the assistant) open the till or he would throw acid over her."

Corley is allegedly linked to that incident by clothing and his southern accent, according to police.

It was also claimed that Corley poses a danger to the public.

Opposing bail, the detective added: "He's a self-confessed heroin addict, and police believe he would fund his addiction to heroin by committing further robberies."

Defence barrister Garrett O'Kane argued that the evidence to connect his client to the charges is "tenuous".

Mr O'Kane disclosed that Corley moved to Belfast from Dublin last July, but insisted he is now settled in Northern Ireland with his pregnant partner.

But refusing bail, Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes cited concerns the accused could re-offend or flee.

Corley was remanded in custody to appear again by video-link in four weeks time.